Travel guide to vintage, fabric and culture lovers in Berlin
I moved to Berlin eight years ago, although I had fallen in love with the city long before that. It isn’t conventionally beautiful, and the service culture can be direct rather than polished — but shaped by its post-WWII history, Berlin has a remarkably strong character. It has long been a home for creatives, many of whom move here precisely because of that spirit. For a capital city the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed, and there is always something new to discover.
This small travel guide gathers some of my personal favourite places in the city and grows out of our February Community Meeting (available as a live recording), where I also talk more about Berlin’s history.
First things first: Berlin outdoor flea markets
Many parks in Berlin host weekend markets: Saturdays are for farmers’ markets, Sundays for flea markets. When I first arrived in the city, they immediately became my favourite destinations — and they still are. Each district has its own atmosphere, and you can feel it in the markets too.
A neighbourhood market with a relaxed mix of locals and professional sellers offering second-hand clothing, furniture and curiosities. The surrounding streets are beautiful to wander through.
Prenzlauer Berg was once a worn-down area near the former Wall; today it’s full of cafés, small restaurants and, if you look carefully, a few old bars that still carry the memory of earlier Berlin.
One of the classic former East-Berlin neighbourhoods: still a touch punk, still lively. The market is larger than Arkonaplatz and mixes private wardrobes with curated vintage. The Saturday farmers’ market here is also excellent — I used to go almost every week.
Marheineke Markthalle & Flohmarkt
Similar in size to the others but with unmistakable Bergmannkiez character. I’ve found favourite summer dresses and old home textiles here — some later turned into coats and jackets back in Helsinki in the early 2000s.
While here, stroll along Bergmannstraße and continue south toward Tempelhofer Feld, the vast former airport turned public park.
Vintage & fashion shopping
Berlin is full of second-hand boutiques. The large chain Humana Secondhand can reward patience with great finds, while curated shops offer an easier treasure hunt.
Recent favourites:
From Garments, walk around the corner to Mulackstraße — home to independent boutiques including RAUS.Berlin and the Vivienne Westwood Boutique Berlin concept store.
If you’re visiting during Berlin Fashion Week, try to get into Der Berliner Salon. It is for porfessionals only, a really inspiring presentation of new designers.
For the fabric hoarder: the gems
Berlin’s textile scene reflects its history and its large Turkish community. Around Kottbusser Damm you’ll find shops full of colourful fabrics, spilling into the weekly outdoor market at Maybachufer Market every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, absolutely worth visiting.
Hüco Stoffe
A legendary warehouse space recommended to me by a film costume designer. Third floor, unassuming exterior, inside: huge. Hundreds of fabrics and very Berlin-style customer service. The first visit feels intimidating; the second feels like belonging.
1000stoff
A beautifully curated small shop in Kreuzberg. Not large, but carefully selected with designer leftover gems, gorgeous denims and you’ll likely find exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for. And there is always the latest TAUKO Magazine on the shelf! It is definietly worh a visit and while you are there, enjoy the lively neighbourhood!
Museums & exhibitions
My current favourites:
Gropius Bau
Neue Nationalgalerie
Hamburger Bahnhof
They consistently host excellent exhibitions and thoughtful curations. Popular shows may require queueing — especially on weekends.
And if you are in Berlin in February, don’t miss the Berlinale! So many good films in beautiful venues (I could write another blog post about the Berlin cinemas…!)
And finally: the lakes
One of Berlin’s luxuries is space. Within about 30 minutes you can swim in clear lakes surrounded by forest. The easiest to reach is Schlachtensee, but there are many more waiting once you have time to explore. “Take me to lakes” is a very nice travel guide for the ones interested to ecape the city.
Berlin doesn’t end here! Listen to the live recording from the community meeting and learn more about my poor and sexy home town.